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Up close with Nokia's camera-centric 808 PureView (pictures)

A 41-megapixel camera lens is the Nokia 808 PureView's biggest draw.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Nokia's 808 PureView a final Symbian hurrah?

When Nokia unveiled the Nokia 808 PureView at this year's Mobile World Congress, it shocked us twice. First, because the smartphone boasts a camera capable of capturing 41 megapixels of digital information, and second because it runs Symbian Belle OS instead of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform.
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2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Hello, big guy

Why is the camera module so enormous? That's because the PureView uses a physically larger sensor and lens to capture more light. It shows.
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3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Other ports

I like the 808 PureView's dedicated HDMI port. There are DLNA-compatible apps as well if you prefer the untethered viewing experience.
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4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Under the hood

Here's another look at the enormous camera module, seen from beneath the back cover. The design challenges with creating this unusual device also drove the micro-SIM and microSD cards beneath the battery, an inconvenient spot.
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5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Not so pocket-friendly

You can really see the camera's protrusion from this angle.
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6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Hefty

The PureView's heft isn't surprising when you think about the larger, heavier components inside.
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7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

All together now

One last look at the 808 PureView. Find more specs in CNET's full 808 PureView review.

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